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Objective: While the second wave of COVID-19 has started in Europe, data are still missing on the consequences of the first one for patients with cancer. The aim of our study was to learn more about the experiences of German patients and staff in the oncology services. Materials and methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted among cancer patients and their therapists (physicians, medical staff, psychologists, spiritual care givers) in Germany between April and May 2020 asking about burden, fears, and perceived changes in German oncology service system. Besides answer frequencies of different stakeholders, uni- and multivariate analyses were performed for selected items to identify areas of high impact. Results: In total 752 participants were included. All groups have identified high mental burden as central problem. A majority was confused about varying information policies and strategies against the pandemic. Patient reported restricted visits, isolation and delay of treatment as central fears and problems. The majority of fears could be coped by the health care workers. The patients describe processes at the oncology services during the first wave. Personal experiences with COVID-19 have had no influence on the felt burden of the patients. Physicians, medical staff, psychologists and spiritual care givers were extremely stressed but repressed their own burden. They await financial, physical and mental problems for their own future. Conclusions: The presented personal views and experiences allow focusing the discussions about heath care systems during the on-going pandemic. Support for health care workers, as much routine as possible in oncology services, and transparency in information will be the keys for good management in futural situations of crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: During the COVID-19 pandemic, tumor patients not only perceived fears and worries but were experiencing also positive changes as the perception of nature and silence, moments of wondering awe, and more intense relationships. We intended to analyze whether these perceptions may differ between patients from waves 1 and 2 of the pandemic. Methods: Cross-sectional study at two time periods (May to June, sample 1) and September to November 2020 (sample 2) with standardized questionnaires (i.e. WHO-5, MLQ, PCQ-12). Results: Patients from sample 1 (n = 292) and sample 2 (n = 221) did not differ with respect to gender, age, partner or tumor status. Most are still "irritated by statements about danger and course of the infection" (58%) and are "worrying to be infected and to have complicated course of disease" (55%). Neither their well-being nor meaning in life nor fears and worries were significantly different. In sample 2 patients, Worrying reflections and loneliness scored significantly lower, while their Perception of nature and silence was lower in trend only; more intense relationships are still relevant. Moments of wondering awe and religious trust were perceived less often during wave 2. Particularly religious patients scored stronger for Perception of nature and silence and Worrying reflections and loneliness. Conclusion: Oncologists/psychologist have to know that patients' situation has not changed within the time of pandemic and that they still require information, close support and encouragement to rely on their resources to cope. Perceived changes are reflecting coping strategies that could be trained to increase patients' resilience during further pandemic waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Public discussion and health-care systems worldwide have been focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic. Does it have an impact on cancer care today? Materials and methods: The PRIO ("Prevention and Integrative Oncology") Working Group (German Cancer Society) has initiated an online survey for physicians, medical staff and patients on April 16, 2020. Between April 16 and April 19, 47 doctors and 146 patients filled in the questionnaires. The survey is ongoing. We present the first data. Results: A majority of German patients (76%) and physicians (71%) report moderate or high restriction in their daily life. A minority (patients 25%, physicians 13%) was not worried that necessary treatments or diagnostics were restricted. Organizing cancer care needs more time and efforts for 56% of all reporting doctors. 98% of all oncologists think that restriction of family visits has a negative impact on the mental health of cancer patients. Half of all participants (patients 43%, physicians 47%) expect negative consequences on the physical status of our patients. Patients feel the existing emotional stress in 34% of their physicians. 52% of physicians fear mental and/or physical longtime consequences for themselves. Conclusion: There is a high level of mental and physical stress triggered by the present COVID-19 management. After only a few weeks, human resources are limited. They will be the most important key for further health-care services for patients with cancer and other chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]